Tyler Wright Finds Comfort in Bells Beach Return as Rip Curl Pro Faces Weather Disruptions
Australian surfing star Tyler Wright is soaking up the atmosphere at Bells Beach, a location that holds a special place in her decorated career. A two-time Rip Curl Pro champion, Wright is hoping to regain momentum in her 2024 season and strengthen her bid for a third world title.
Wright made a confident start to the event, posting an impressive heat total of 14.84—including a standout 8.17 ride—on Good Friday. Her performance saw her advance to the round of 16, defeating Canada’s Erin Brooks and Brazil’s Luana Silva in solid two-to-four-foot surf.
“It feels so calming… it’s like a warm hug coming home here,” Wright said, reflecting on her return to the iconic Victorian surf break. “The gap between events can be tough. I was really disappointed with my performance in El Salvador—I didn’t feel I surfed to my potential during the heat, even though I felt great in the free surfs.”
Despite a strong start to the year with a win at Hawaii’s Pipe Pro in February, Wright has not reached a semi-final in her last three outings. She exited early in El Salvador, falling in the round of 16.
Still, she feels confident heading into the Bells Beach event: “My boards feel great and I feel fit and strong. At this point in my career, I’m just happy to be healthy and surfing. I love it here.”
Wright’s score was second only to Hawaiian Gabriela Bryan, who rode the wave of her recent El Salvador victory with a 15.50 heat total and an 8.33 wave score—Friday’s best.
Wright also shared how deeply connected she feels to the region and its Indigenous heritage. “It carries so much weight,” she said. “I’ve been coming to Wadawurrung country since around 2006. Being here at Djarrak—it does something to your soul. It’s a true honour and pleasure to be welcomed here. We had such a beautiful Welcome to Country yesterday.”
However, as the day progressed, deteriorating surf conditions forced organisers to halt the competition. Although the women’s opening round was completed, only one men’s heat was run before the remainder of the day’s schedule was called off.
Elsewhere on Friday, American world number one and defending champion Caitlin Simmers won her heat, while Australian contender Molly Picklum also advanced despite finishing second to fellow Aussie Ellie Harrison. Picklum has reached at least the semi-finals in all four World Surf League events this season.
Harrison, who’s filling in for Brazilian surfer Tatiana Weston-Webb—taking a mental health break from the tour—impressed with her heat win.
Among the other Australian women, Isabella Nichols (runner-up in El Salvador) and Sally Fitzgibbons progressed through their heats, while Carly Shanahan faces elimination after falling short in her round.
